BluePearl doctors urge caution in light of Beneful lawsuit

TAMPA – Veterinarians from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are urging pet owners to be cautious and consult their family veterinarians if they have questions stemming from a class-action lawsuit claiming a popular dog food is harming pets.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this month in California federal court, claims thousands of dogs have become ill or died as a result of eating Beneful dry kibble. The suit alleges the food contains toxins, and lists propylene glycol and mycotoxins as potentially harmful substances found in the food.

Nestle Purina PetCare Company, the maker of Beneful, calls the lawsuit “baseless” and maintains the food is safe. But the news is generating concern among pet owners.

“Certainly, this action has raised many questions among families with pets,” said Dr. Jennifer Welser, chief medical officer of BluePearl Veterinary Partners. “If pet owners are worried, the first and best thing to do is to talk to their family veterinarian.”

Additionally, people should be aware of common signs of distress, including lethargy, decreased activity, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption and/or increased urination.

“Any time you notice a medical problem or a significant change in your pet’s behavior , you should take them to your family veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible,” said Welser.